2006 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2010 BMW M3
To start off, 2010 BMW M3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 4,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 313 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW M3 weights approximately 588 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2010 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2010 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2010 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2010 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | New Beetle | M3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1292 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
